Thai community fights factory stench, faces relocation woes

[snoop1130]

 

For years, the residents of the Ban Thammarat community in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been tormented by the foul odour emitted by the wastewater from a local rubber factory. Despite their pleas for regular inspections and serious action towards wastewater management, the issue remains unresolved, forcing some to relocate.

 

The community, located in Area 5, has long complained about the factory, which purchases rubber waste and discharges untreated wastewater onto personal land. The stench has permeated the area, affecting their daily lives.

 

Several months ago, concerned authorities inspected the factory following complaints lodged at the Justice Centre. The factory was then ordered to construct a wastewater treatment pond for the rubber waste. However, months later, the residents are still grappling with the persistent stench from poor wastewater management.

 

One resident, Sawangjit Kamlun, also known as Teacher Piek, shared her ordeal of residing near the factory while caring for a bedridden patient. Despite lodging several complaints, the issue has only been temporarily resolved. The smell returns every time the factory cleans up before an inspection.

 

Sawangjit and her neighbours understand the thriving business of purchasing rubber waste but implore the factory owner to manage the wastewater effectively to prevent the stench. The problem has become unbearable, leading some community residents to move out. They urge the authorities to inspect more frequently and ensure that the factory adheres to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the community.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/prachuap-khiri-khan-residents-call-for-action-on-rubber-factorys-disruptive-odour

 

-- Thaiger 2023-08-25

 

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[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Sawangjit and her neighbours understand the thriving business of purchasing rubber waste but implore the factory owner to manage the wastewater effectively to prevent the stench.

If this has been going on for a long time and this company is still polluting the area then someone for sure is being paid-off...

 

[PETERTHEEATER]

Don't buy used condoms as part of the rubber waste.

[Dan O]

If they're dumping untreated waste water onto the land the smell maybe be the least of their concerns as the toxins are most likely leaching into the underground aquifer and can produce a variety of health issues.